Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2026 is €80 (approximately ₹7,200) for adults and €40 (₹3,600) for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Additionally, you'll pay VFS service fee (₹2,000-2,500) and need travel insurance (₹500-2,000). Total cost: ₹9,500-12,000 per adult.
Schengen Visa Fee Structure (2026)
| Applicant Category | Visa Fee (EUR) | Approx INR |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+ years) | €80 | ₹7,200 |
| Children (6-11 years) | €40 | ₹3,600 |
| Children (under 6) | Free | ₹0 |
Additional Costs
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| VFS Service Fee | ₹2,000-2,500 | Yes (if via VFS) |
| Travel Insurance | ₹500-2,000 | Yes |
| Courier (optional) | ₹500-750 | No |
| SMS Tracking | ₹50-100 | No |
| Premium Lounge | ₹2,500-4,000 | No |
| Photo/Photocopy | ₹100-300 | If needed |
Total Cost Calculation
Adult Applicant (Typical)
- Visa Fee: ₹7,200
- VFS Service Fee: ₹2,200
- Travel Insurance: ₹1,000
- Total: ₹10,400
Family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Children 8 & 4)
- Adult Visa Fees: ₹7,200 × 2 = ₹14,400
- Child (8 years): ₹3,600
- Child (4 years): ₹0 (free)
- VFS Fees: ₹2,200 × 4 = ₹8,800
- Family Travel Insurance: ₹3,000
- Total: ₹29,800
Payment Methods
- At VFS: Cash (INR), Credit/Debit Card
- Online (some countries): Credit/Debit Card only
- Demand Draft: Accepted by some embassies (direct submission)
Note: Visa fee is non-refundable even if visa is rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schengen visa fee refundable if rejected?
No, the visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, not the visa itself.
Do children pay Schengen visa fees?
Children under 6 years are exempt from visa fees. Children aged 6-11 pay reduced fee of €40. Children 12+ pay adult fee of €80.
Why do different countries have different VFS fees?
VFS service fees vary slightly by country due to different contractual arrangements. The visa fee (€80) is standard across all Schengen countries.
Is travel insurance cost included in visa fee?
No, travel insurance is a separate mandatory requirement. You must purchase insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen states.
Can I pay Schengen visa fee in Euros?
At VFS India, you typically pay in INR at the prevailing exchange rate. Some embassies accepting direct applications may accept EUR.
What is the cheapest way to apply for Schengen visa?
Apply directly at the embassy (if they accept direct applications) to save VFS fee. Get photos and photocopies done outside VFS. Choose basic travel insurance that meets requirements.
